Is It Time to Buy?

In today's edition, Anand Chokkavelu answers a question submitted from a Foolish follower who asks, "Is it time to buy?" As Anand points out, this is rarely a question we, or any investor, can answer. Market timing isn't a Foolish investing principle, and trying to do so is a quick way to burn through your capital. However, if you are still looking for a metric to attach meaning to, Anand points out the Shiller S&P 500 P/E ratio, which sits slightly above historic norms but is far from historic highs.

Instead of trying to time the market, you should be identifying and buying shares of great companies to hold for the long run. If you're looking for a place to begin, "The Motley Fool's Top Stock for 2012" could be your springboard. Our chief investment officer is bullish on the stock, and you may be, too, after reading your copy of our free report. To access the report before the rest of the market catches on, click here -- it's absolutely free.

At the time this
article was published Anand Chokkavelu has no positions in the stocks mentioned above. The Motley Fool has no positions in the stocks mentioned above. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services free for 30 days. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.